IGT:ToolKit/Navigation-with-Aurora

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Advanced Slicer3 Navigation Tutorial

Overview:

This tutorial uses an NDI Aurora tracking system to explain how navigation works in Slicer3. It also contains a more advanced description of the OpenIGTLink protocol.

The general IGT navigation system consists of the following components:

  • Slicer3 - the base platform
  • OpenIGTLink module - a loadable software module plugged into Slicer3
  • IGSTK - an interfacing tool for common commercial tracking devices
  • A tracking device - such as the NDI Aurora magnetic tracking system

Before you start the advanced tutorial, you should go through the Basic Navigation Tutorial.

Tutorial Materials

Required Hardware

  • NDI Aurora tracking device with tracked tool
  • If your computer does not have a serial port, you will need a Serial-to-USB converter

Software Installation Instructions

Step 1: Install Slicer3

Go to the Slicer3 Install site.

Step 2: Install the OpenIGTLink module and NeuroNav module

OpenIGTLink is a communication protocol used to interface Slicer3 with external devices, such as trackers, imaging devices and robots. OpenIGTLink is currently distributed as a loadable module for Slicer3. NeuroNav is a module for neuro navigation in Slicer3.

Step 3: Install IGSTK and IGSTKSandbox

IGSTK is used to acquire tracking data from the NDI Aurora tracking system.

  • You have the choice of either downloading a precompiled version (binary) OR building it yourself from the source code:
    • Precompiled IGSTK: Download and unzip - you should find the directory IGSTKSandbox-build
    • Building IGSTK and IGSTKSandbox from source code: Find the instructions here

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